BARTOW, Fla. – In the first forecast of the new year, the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture projected a 10 percent increase for Florida Grapefruit as Florida Orange production held steady.
In an announcement Friday, the USDA predicted Florida Orange production to remain at 74 million boxes and Florida Grapefruit production to climb to 5.4 million boxes for the 2019-20 season. The numbers are a 3 percent increase for oranges and a 20 percent increase for grapefruit over 2018-19.
“The increase in Florida Grapefruit production, along with a steady number for Florida Oranges, reflects an industry committed to growth,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “Despite numerous obstacles, growers continue to work diligently to ensure Florida Citrus is available for all to enjoy.”
About the Florida Department of Citrus
The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs 50,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $7.2 billion to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida’s schools, roads and health care services. For more information about the Florida Department of Citrus, please visit FloridaCitrus.org.
